Floating Docks & Fingers
Custom floating docks and boarding fingers that meet you at water level—platforms, gangways, ladders, and bumper rails.
Service Area
Dock Builders in James Island, SC
Docks, seawalls and boat lifts on James Island Creek, Wappoo Creek, the Stono River and the marsh in between.
Licensed, bonded & insuredAuthorized Hurricane dealerCharleston's Choice 2025 & 2026
Charleston Dock Doctors
Docks, Seawalls & Boat Lifts in James Island
James Island is surrounded by water: James Island Creek and Clark Sound wind through it, Wappoo Creek and the Stono River run along its western side, and Charleston Harbor sits to the north. Lots range from deep-water frontage to wide marsh crossings, and many homes have older docks and lumber bulkheads that are reaching the end of their 15-to-20-year life.
We build new docks and floating docks, rebuild worn pierheads and walkways, install boat lifts, and replace or repair seawalls and bulkheads across James Island. Because parts of the island fall under the Town of James Island, the City of Charleston or Charleston County, we check which jurisdiction applies before planning any work.
Waterways We Work On
James Island Creek, Wappoo Creek, Stono River, Clark Sound, Charleston Harbor.
Permits & Approvals
Work over tidal water or marsh needs state and federal approval, and local review depends on whether your lot is in the Town of James Island, the City of Charleston or unincorporated Charleston County.
What We Build Most in James Island
Pierhead and walkway rebuilds, floating docks, boat lifts, and seawall and bulkhead replacement.
Our Services
Marine Construction Services in James Island
Elevated Piers & Pierheads
Long elevated piers over the marsh to the waterline, capped with custom pierheads, railings, and lighting.
Boat Lifts & Kayak Launches
All types of boat lifts plus custom kayak and paddleboard launches—leave it where you park it.
Seawalls, Pond Walls & Bulkheads
Marine walls that fight erosion and reclaim ground along ponds, rivers, and tidal zones across the Lowcountry.
Dock Repair
Forensic repairs to pilings, framing, decking, gangways, and floats that fix the root problem.
Boat Lift Repair & Service
Repairs and service for lift motors, cables, cradles, switches, and the pilings that carry them.
How It Works
Our Process
Site visit & honest assessment
We walk the site, read the water and the existing structure, and tell you straight whether to repair, rebuild or start new.
Design, scope & permits
We size the structure to your tides, soil and goals, put the scope in writing, and guide you through permitting with the relevant agencies.
Built around the tides
Our crew schedules pile driving and framing around tides and weather, keeps the site tidy, and keeps you updated as work moves.
Walkthrough & care
We walk the finished work with you and explain what to watch for so it lasts through Charleston salt, sun and storms.
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
JP and his Charleston Dock Doctors rebuilt our floating dock and replaced the worn gangway boards with new composite WEARdeck. His crew worked late to finish on time, and the cost was substantially less than the next closest bid.
The best contractors I have ever dealt with. On time, reasonable price, job done quick, and they cleaned up after themselves. Zero complaints, and I will recommend them to everyone I know.
I cannot express enough how organized and determined JP and his team were. They worked around the tide and weather and completed the job to a high standard. Highly recommend.
FAQs
James Island Dock Questions
Other Areas We Serve
Do you work on both sides of James Island?
Yes, from James Island Creek and Clark Sound to Wappoo Creek and the Stono River.
My James Island bulkhead is leaning. Can it be repaired?
Sometimes. New tiebacks, caps and drainage can save a wall, but if the sheets are failing we will tell you honestly that replacement is the better spend.
Who issues permits on James Island?
It depends on your lot: the Town of James Island, the City of Charleston or Charleston County, plus state and federal approval for work over tidal water or marsh.
Free Estimate
Get a Free Estimate in James Island
Tell us about your project and we will get you a fast, detailed estimate.
Call Us Anytime
843-224-2653Hours
Mon – Fri: 7 am to 6 pm & Sat 9 am to 3 pm